Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
wish to buy two or more sets of equipment at a time so you can leave one set
airing in a clean place while using the other set. Do not hang items in en-
closed living areas, because pesticides that remain in the items may evaporate
and expose people or animals in the area.
Using a clothes dryer is acceptable for fabric items, if it is not possible to
hang them to dry. However, over a period of time, the dryer may become con-
taminated with pesticide residues.
2.
Maintaining Eyewear and Respirators
Wash goggles, face shields, shielded safety glasses, and respirator bodies
and facepieces after each day of use. Use a detergent and hot water to wash
them thoroughly. Sanitize them by soaking for at least 2-10 minutes in a
mixture of two tablespoons of chlorine bleach in a gallon of hot water. Rinse
thoroughly to remove the detergent and bleach. Dry thoroughly or hang them
in a clean area to dry.
Pay particular attention to the headbands. Headbands made of absorbent
materials should be replaced with chemical-resistant headbands. After each day
of use, inspect all headbands for signs of wear or deterioration and replace as
needed.
Store respirators and eyewear in an area where they are protected from
dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and pesticides or
other chemicals. A zip-closable sturdy plastic bag works well for storage.
Respirator maintenance is especially important. Inspect your respirator
before each use. Repair or replace it whenever any part shows sign of wear or
deterioration. Maintain an inventory of replacement parts for the respirators
you own, and do not try to use makeshift substitutes or incompatible brands.
If you keep a respirator for standby or emergency use, inspect it at least
monthly and before use.
If you remove your respirator between handling activities:
•
Wipe the respirator body and facepiece with a clean cloth.
•
Replace caps, if available, over cartridges, canisters, and prefilters.
•
Seal the entire respirator in a sturdy, airtight container, such as a
zip-closable plastic bag. If you do not seal the respirator immediately
after each use, the disposable parts will have to be replaced more of-
ten. Cartridges, canisters, prefilters, and filters will continue to col-
lect impurities as long as they are exposed to the air.
At the end of any work day when you wore a reusable respirator:
